After beating world No 4 Stan Wawrinka on Monday, the winner of 14 Majors has now beaten a top three player for the first time this season.

And the Mallorcan, who has claimed a career Grand Slam, Olympic gold and the Davis Cup, could yet confirm his return by winning the only major title missing from his CV – the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals title on Sunday.

Monkey off his back: Nadal had not beaten a top-three player this season (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The two-time finalist, who is usually injured or exhausted by this tournament, said: “Today I feel free.

"I feel I am enjoying it on court. That doesn’t mean I am going to play well in every match.